University of South Alabama Alabama Epsilon - Tau Beta Pi

66 Pages·2012·2.23 MB·English

University of South Alabama
Alabama Epsilon

2011-2012
Exemplary Character
Academic Excellence

Since 1990
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 307 University Blvd., EGCB108
OFFICE OF THE DEAN MOBILE, ALABAMA 36688-0002
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

June 26, 2012

Tau Beta Pi Awards Committee
C/o Mr. Curt Gomulinski
PO Box 2697
Knoxville, TN 37901

Dear Award Committee Members:

I am writing to support the selection of the Alabama Epsilon chapter of Tau Beta Pi for a chapter
award. We are extremely proud of our TBP chapter and its record of outstanding service and
achievements. The South Alabama TBP chapter has a significant impact on the College, the
University, the Profession, and the Community. I continue to be amazed that the TPB leadership
has been able to get nearly all of the eligible students to join and, more importantly, get the
majority to be active in university and community service.

As Dean of Engineering, I can speak directly to the impact of their activities on the College and
University. When recruiting students I always talk about Tau Beta Pi members as a resource for
freshman and sophomores. Many of the members serve as “Supplemental Instructors” for lower
division engineering courses, holding weekly sessions to assist students to be successful, or as
Peer Leaders for the freshman engineering seminar. There is no doubt in my mind that these
programs have a positive effect on retention in the College of Engineering. They also sponsor an
excellent seminar program raising awareness of graduate studies and helping our better students
prepare for graduate school.

The college of engineering is actively engaged in improving STEM education in our K-12
schools. Tau Bates have mentored local students in a variety of outreach activities: Best
Robotics, MathCounts, and the Mobile Regional Science and Engineering Fair. This year, at my
request, they assisted the Gulf Coast Exploreum with programs to teach middle school science
teachers about engineering computer tools that can be used in the classroom.

The College of Engineering hosts a summer science camp sponsored by Exxon Mobile and the
Bernard Harris Foundation. This spring TBP members were key contributors as we hosted a
“reunion” for the middle school students who had attended the camp last summer.

The Awards and Recognition Luncheon is a highlight of our academic year at the University of
South Alabama. It attracts students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of the College and
provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding students, faculty, and the companies that
support our students. The TBP members serve a very special role by serving as hosts for the
incoming freshman students and their parents. They provide tours of the engineering facilities
before the luncheon and sit with the new students at the luncheon, making them feel welcome
and serving as great role models.

The Chapter has very successfully used scholarship dollars resulting from Chapter Project
Awards and Secretary's Commendations to recognize the outstanding sophomore.

We have at least a dozen other engineering student organizations, such as ASCE, IEEE, ASME,
AIChE, NSBE, SWE and others. While some of those are active in a social sense, participating
in meetings, tailgating at football games and similar events, it is TBP that sets the standard for
excellence in educational support, community involvement, and service to the college of
engineering. We simply would not be as successful as a college without our TBP chapter.

While I have concentrated on the great benefit of Alabama Epsilon to the college and university,
I should also note that these experiences have also had a huge benefit for the students. Recent
graduates who were active in TBP demonstrate excellent leadership, organizational and project
management skills that are directly attributable to their TBP experience. This year’s president,
Quan Tran, who was especially effective in providing leadership for the society and the college,
was selected as the College of Engineering Student of the Year.

The Alabama Epsilon Chapter is truly outstanding and one of the very best assets of the College
of Engineering at the University of South Alabama.

Sincerely,
John W. Steadman, PE, Ph.D.
Dean
AAllaabbaammaa EEppssiilloonn CChhaapptteerr PPrroojjeeccttss

College Projects Project Number
a. College of Engineering Awards Luncheon 1
b. Order of the Engineer 2
c. Graduate School Seminar 3
d. Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review Books 4
e. Freshman Seminar Panels 5
f. Engineering Open House – EG101 6
g. Engineering Scholars reception 7
h. Engineering Futures 8
i. Resume Workshop 9
j. Dean’s Council 10
a. High School Recruitment Calls 11
k. Incoming Freshman Presentation and Tour 12

Pre-College Programs
b. BEST Robotics 13
c. World of Opportunity 14
d. E-Week Engineering Open House 15
e. Science and Engineering Fair 16
f. Math Counts (District / State) 17
g. Engaging Youth in Engineering 18
h. Bernard Harris reunion 19

Community Projects
a. Habitat for Humanity 20
b. Electronics Recycling 21

Recognition
a. Professor of the Year Award 22
b. Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship 23
c. Initiate Letter from Dean 24
d. Initiation Publicity 25

Member Activities
a. Member T-shirts 26
b. Facebook 27
c. Website 28
d. National Convention 29
e. District Conference 30
f. Bent Polishing 31
g. Graduation Stoles (Fall and Spring) 32
h. Paintball 33

Chapter Survey
The Tau Beta Pi Association Chapter:Alabama Epsilon
Project number: 1
Chapter Project Report
New Project Old Project

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Project name: College of Engineering Awards Luncheon Date(s) of Project: 5-4-12
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Target Audience: Community/ University/ Profession/ Chapter/ Education:
Liberal Culture College Engineering Social Prof Development
_____________________________________________________________________________

Number of persons who participated in this project. Members: 33
Electees: 0
_____________________________________________________________________________

Average hours spent on this project. Organizing: 4 hours Participating: 2 hours
_____________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION OR INDEX TO ATTACHED DESCRIPTION

I. General Description: The College of Engineering Recognition & Awards Luncheon is organized
annually to recognize students, faculty, engineering professionals, and college donors. Personnel
in the Engineering Dean’s Office organize the Luncheon. Scholarship award winners are
recognized along with company representatives and individual contributors to the scholarship
funds. University administrators, including the Senior Vice President, and the College's
Industry Advisory Board attend.

II. Purpose & Relationship to Objectives of TBΠ: The luncheon is an opportunity to promote the
study of engineering and the university to high school students, who have been awarded
scholarships to attend the university.

III. Organization & Administration: In conjunction with another group? Yes No
Tau Bates served as greeters for the guests and are also table hosts for the scholarship students
and their families.

IV. Cost & Personnel Requirements: Over $1500, funded by the College of Engineering

V. Special Problems: None

VI. Overall Evaluation/Results: The Luncheon was well attended. Almost all of the Tau Bates who
attended were recognized as outstanding students and many received scholarships. Several
incoming freshman commented that they really enjoyed talking about ‘college life.’

VII. Index of Exhibits:
Engineering Awards Luncheon
Participation List

Members

1. Celine Aguila
2. Shabab Alam
3. Karthik Anne
4. William Beck
5. Jordan Blechert
6. Joseph Bordeleau
7. Ray Cayula
8. John T. Crist
9. Richard Cullum
10. Michael Davis
11. Sarah Decker
12. James Douglass
13. John French
14. Drew Harrison
15. Greg Hickman
16. Brian Hollingsworth
17. Whitley Ledkins
18. Daniel Martin
19. Michael McConnell
20. Chad Mossak
21. Derrick Nelson
22. Jedediah Oliphant
23. Lloyd Oubre
24. Andrew Pappas
25. Sean Ramsey
26. Joshua Richardson
27. Alex Scruggs
28. Ryan Stonecypher
29. Misbahuddin Syed
30. Daniel Terry
31. Trent Thomas
32. Quan Tran
33. Justin Walton
The Tau Beta Pi Association Chapter:Alabama Epsilon
Project number: 2
Chapter Project Report
New Project Old Project

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Project name: Order of the Engineer Ceremony Date(s) of Project: 12-17-11
5-12-12
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Target Audience: Community/ University/ Profession/ Chapter/ Education:
Liberal Culture College Engineering Social Prof Development
_____________________________________________________________________________

Number of persons who participated in this project: Members: Spring: 2 Fall: 1
Spring: Drew Harrison and Jed Oliphant Electees: 0
Fall: Michael Blair______________________________________________________________

Average hours spent on this project. Organizing: 1 hour Participating: 4 hours
_____________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION OR INDEX TO ATTACHED DESCRIPTION

I. General Description: The Order of the Engineer ceremony was held in conjunction with
graduation at the University of South Alabama. Tau Bates helped set up for the ceremony,
greeted the guests, and served refreshments following the ceremony.
The Order of the Engineer was established in the United States to foster a spirit of pride,
individual integrity and responsibility in the engineering profession, to bridge the gap between
training and practice, and to present to the public a visible symbol (ring) identifying the
engineer. It parallels the Canadian Order of the Iron Ring.

II. Purpose & Relationship to Objectives of TBΠ: The objectives of the Order of the Engineer
align with the exemplary character requirement for membership in Tau Beta Pi. Tau Bates must
exhibit integrity of character, which includes honor and high standards of truth and justice.

III. Organization & Administration: In conjunction with another group? Yes No

IV. Cost & Personnel Requirements: One Tau Beta Pi member required for guest greeting and two
required for setup/cleanup.

V. Special Problems: None

VI. Overall Evaluation/Results: Graduating seniors, MS candidates and professional engineers in
the community participated in the ceremony. Families and friends were also invited. Over 250
people attended in December, and over 400 people attended in May.

VII. Index of Exhibits:
The Tau Beta Pi Association Chapter: Alabama Epsilon
Project number: 3
Chapter Project Report
New Project Old Project

Project name: Graduate School Seminar Date(s) of Project: 10-11-2011

Target Audience: Community/ University/ Profession/ Chapter/ Education:
Liberal Culture College Engineering Social Prof Development

Number of persons who participated in this project. Members: 6
Electees: 5
Others: 9

Average hours spent on this project. Organizing: 2 hours Participation: 1 hours

DESCRIPTION OR INDEX TO ATTACHED DESCRIPTION

I. General Description: The seminar was organized to interest undergraduates in attending
Graduate School. Four engineering professors, in the four departments, volunteered to
speak at the seminar and talk about their graduate school experiences and why it’s
important to attend.
II. Purpose & Relationship to Objectives of TBΠ: This project promotes the importance of
attending graduate school.
III. Organization & Administration: In conjunction with another group? Yes No
Flyers were distributed throughout the college. Faculty announced the seminar in senior
courses. An announcement was also displaced on the college’s electronic message board.

IV. Cost & Personnel Requirements: None
V. Special Problems: None
VI. Overall Evaluation/Results: The Graduate School Seminar was very beneficial in helping
undergraduate students get more information about Graduate School.
VII. Index of Exhibits:
Graduate School Seminar
Participation List

Members Others

1. Quan Tran 12. Crystal Fowler
2. Joseph Bordeleau 13. J. Regi Allen III
3. James Douglass 14. Greg Hosford
4. Raymond Cayula 15. Thiago Cavelcaut
5. Joseph Oubre 16. Phong Le
6. Tommy Trieu 17. Sokon Ngam
7. Jesse Walton 18. Rafe Watson
8. Justin Walton 19. Scott Klein
9. Chad Mossak 20. Sarah Nayla
10. Yulia Fedko
11. Ronald Jones
The Tau Beta Pi Association Chapter:Alabama Epsilon
Project number: 4
Chapter Project Report
New Project Old Project

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Project name: Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review Books Date(s) of Project: Yearlong

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Target Audience: Community/ University/ Profession/ Chapter/ Education:
Liberal Culture College Engineering Social Prof Development
_____________________________________________________________________________

Number of persons who participated in this project. Members: 2
Quan Tran and Sally Steadman (Advisor)
_____________________________________________________________________________

Average hours spent on this project. Organizing: 1.5 hours Participating: 0
_____________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION OR INDEX TO ATTACHED DESCRIPTION

I. General Description: The College of Engineering requires students to take the FE exam in order
to graduate. Tau Beta Pi promotes and sells the NCEES sample exam books to help students
better prepare for the FE exam.

II. Purpose & Relationship to Objectives of TBΠ: This is a fundraising program for the chapter
and increases the visibility of the college, chapter, and profession.

III. Organization & Administration: In conjunction with another group? Yes No
The chapter learned about the opportunity to purchase NCEES sample exam booklets at a
discounted price at the national conference. The Dean's office provided funding to purchase the
books and once the purchase cost has been recovered, Tau Beta Pi receives the proceeds from
the sales of the books. Advertising was done to the students, faculty, and at the FE review
sessions. The Dean's office is providing support by collecting money and distributing the books.

IV. Cost & Personnel Requirements: None

V. Special Problems: None.

VI. Overall Evaluation/Results: We have spent $9,747 for 360 study books (at a discount of $3001).
A total of 213 books have been sold for $6,390. We sell the books at a discounted rate of $30 to
assist students in purchasing a valuable resource for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.